In 2014 she began creating commissioned signature paintings for the inaugurations of college and university presidents, which includes paintings for Bennett College, Alabama State University, Florida Memorial Hospital, Stillman College and Harris-Stowe State University. In addition, Kentucky State University commissioned her to create a painting celebrating their 130th Anniversary, which was unveiled on May 18, 2016.

A partial listing of Synthia’s Commissioned Artworks

U.S. Postal Service (the first and most recent Kwanzaa Stamps)
Glendale Memorial Hospital
The Center for Disease Control
Essence Communications
National Chapter of 100 Black Men
International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters
Maybelline
Coca Cola USA
Regina Taylor
Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr.
Barnes and Noble Booksellers, Susan G. Komen for the Cure
YWCA of Greater Los Angeles
Bennett College
Tea and Conversations and the House of Seagram

In 2010 Synthia was commissioned to paint two new awards. The first was created for the “Mosaic Woman Award”, one of which was presented to Dr. Maya Angelou on October 28, 2010 in National Harbor, MD. The second was created for His Excellency Nelson Mandela’s for a Lifetime Achievement Award from Africare, which was accepted for him by his daughter and grandson on November 5, 2010 in Washington, DC.

On the evening of Monday, May 23, 2011 at the Providence Health & Services Excellence Awards Dinner in Seattle, Washington an amazing $126,000 was raised from a Live Auction of Synthia SAINT JAMES’ art for the Sisters of Providence Mission in Chile. The amount was then matched by a corporation for the total of $252,000.

TribeLA Magazine Acrostic Interview.4

Tools: What do you prefer to work with, physically and otherwise?
My paint brushes range in size from a 0/20 to a 2 brush, and my mediums are acrylic and oil paints. If it’s a small painting I’ll create it on my drawing table, but generally I use my easel.

Indulgence: What is your favorite indulgence?
A nice glass of Sauvignon Blanc after painting or writing to celebrate the day.

Do you cook?
Yes, but not as much as I use to. My first cookbook that was published in 1998, which I revised and self-published in 2016. It’s titled Creative Fixings From The Kitchen: Multi-Cultural Delights and can be purchased on Amazon.com.

What is your specialty meal?
A big pot of “Shrimp, Chicken & Vegetable Curry” with a side of Streamed Rice and Chutney.

What is your favorite restaurant in LA where you indulge yourself?
ALL-TIME Favorite: The Palace Restaurant for 25 years. The BEST Chinese Restaurant in Los Angeles!!! It was located in Los Feliz on Hillhurst Avenue but is now located on Central Avenue in Glendale.